CHIRK Castle will launch a new National Trust push to reduce the carbon footprint at its properties across Wales.

The 13th century Marcher fortress near Wrexham is undergoing a major refurbishment as part of the trust’s aim to reduce carbon emissions through increased energy efficiency in its buildings.

The project is being carried out with the help of the Carbon Trust. Changes will involve adapting the Welsh border castle’s heating system to a wood pellet boiler by next summer, installing solar panels to the least obtrusive parts of the castle walls and putting in hemp insulation – not only improving heat control but also key in moisture control.

The National Trust approached Carbon Trust to get expert advice on reducing carbon emissions.

Currently the National Trust’s six largest properties in Wales are responsible for releasing more than 1,400 tons of carbon dioxide each year in their day-to-day running. It is aiming to reduce carbon emissions by a fifth in its buildings over the next three years.

Chirk’s carbon emissions will reduce by closer to 60% by simply moving from oil heating to sustainable wood pellet and reducing the heating bill by over half.

Keith Jones, environmental practice manager for the National Trust, said: “Money wasn’t our main motivation for this initiative but it is definitely a positive outcome!”